Iwata unveils Nintendo Network

Nintendo President Satoru Iwata has finally revealed details about the Nintendo Network, according to a report on Andriasang.

The Nintendo Network will be available on the 3DS and, once it has launched, the Wii U. It will exist as a separate service from the wi-fi Connection. The new network platform being developed will offer communication between users, although details about that are scarce.

Digital sales will also be included on the platform, including any add-ons or other DLC. The first software to make use of this service will be Nintendo’s Tobidasu Purikura photo decoration app, which has already been released in Japan.

However, the first retail game to feature on the network will be Square Enix’s Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, which launches on February 16 in Japan. The DLC will consist of additional downloadable music tracks.

Nintendo is also considering the using the service to make available packaged software. Iwata said, “This concept was built into the design.”

This same infrastructure will also be present in the Wii U. However, the timeframe for selling packaged software as downloads has not been set while Nintendo consider retailer and consumer concerns.

He also discussed personal accounts for Wii U users. These are aimed at making the system easier for use by multiple family members.